# 有志竟成

yǒu zhì jìng chéng

Determined effort can achieve a goal

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** With resolve, success eventually comes

**Register:** Positive · literary

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Encourage perseverance toward a worthwhile objective.

An encouraging maxim, not a guarantee against every obstacle.

## Understanding the expression

The expression connects an enduring aim with eventual accomplishment. It encourages someone not to abandon a goal simply because progress is difficult. Determination works through learning, practice, and adaptation rather than wishing alone. The saying is motivational, not a universal law: circumstances can prevent success despite sincere effort. A balanced use celebrates perseverance while allowing people to revise a goal or method when evidence shows that another direction would be wiser.

## Examples

她相信有志竟成，坚持练习。

### Traditional Chinese

她相信有志竟成，堅持練習。

tā xiāng xìn yǒu zhì jìng chéng ， jiān chí liàn xí 。

She believes perseverance brings success and keeps practicing.

读完他的经历，我更懂有志竟成。

### Traditional Chinese

讀完他的經歷，我更懂有志竟成。

dú wán tā de jīng lì ， wǒ gèng dǒng yǒu zhì jìng chéng 。

His experience deepened my understanding of perseverance.

老师用有志竟成鼓励我们。

### Traditional Chinese

老師用有志竟成鼓勵我們。

lǎo shī yòng yǒu zhì jìng chéng gǔ lì wǒ men 。

The teacher encouraged us to persevere toward success.

有志竟成也离不开方法和帮助。

### Traditional Chinese

有志竟成也離不開方法和幫助。

yǒu zhì jìng chéng yě lí bù kāi fāng fǎ hé bāng zhù 。

Success through resolve also needs methods and support.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%9C%89%E5%BF%97%E7%AB%9F%E6%88%90)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=633&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [愚公移山 yú gōng yí shān Persist through an enormous challenge ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yu-gong-yi-shan)

- [余音绕梁 yú yīn rào liáng A beautiful sound seems to linger ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yu-yin-rao-liang)

- [跃跃欲试 yuè yuè yù shì Be eager to give something a try ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yue-yue-yu-shi)

- [再接再厉 zài jiē zài lì Keep making renewed efforts ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/zai-jie-zai-li)

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